To a new home buyer, the word “termites” may be one of the last words they would want to hear from a realtor or home inspector.
Understanding how termite infestations may be found or prevented matters a lot in a home purchase process.
Termites not always easily seen
As explained by the Environmental Protection Agency, you should not expect to notice a termite in a home like you would a cockroach, moth or other pest. This supports the need for a thorough and proper inspection by a professional who knows the signs to look for and how to locate a potential termite infestation. To the untrained eye, a winged ant might appear like a termite.
Multiple types of termites
Three types of termites may take hold and live in a house structure: Formosan, drywood or subterranean. A professional inspector or pest management professional understands these types.
Prevention matters
When pouring a home foundation, adding sufficient ventilation and drainage may help in preventing a future termite infestation. This includes sealing all barriers, filling cracks or holes in the concrete and planning where to plant and not to plant vegetation relative to the home structure. Many professionals recommend ongoing maintenance and inspections of a home even if no visible signs of any termite infestation appear so that homeowners may proactively address these issues as soon as possible.
This information is not intended to provide legal advice but is instead meant to give current homeowners or potential home buyers an overview of how termite infestations may be discovered as well as the importance of proper steps to prevent a termite infestation.
